Dislaimer: I do not own, or am affiliated with RENT or it's characters.
Notes: It's been a while I know. Please forgive me. I've been having such trouble with ideas. I blame Lael. It's all her fault. I kid. She's only partially to blame. lol. Love you hon.
Thanks all of you for sticking with me, even if I haven't updated. I appreciate all of your feedback. Thank you so much. It helps. And I won't promise, but I will try to update more often. I know what I want to do, it's just putting it together in story form that's the hard part. So without further adieu, here's chapter 16.
Letters
October 29, 1987
Dear Rog,
I can't stop thinking about my visit to the city. I had so much fun and have been trying so hard since then to convince my mom to let me come out there again. So far, nothing. She doesn't like me being in the city, and her nice streak seems to be over. Oh well.
I've been bragging constantly to Cindy about it. I love her reaction. She gets all bitchy about it and storms off. It's awesome. I love finally having something I can brag about to her. Not to mention I told her about our little tour. Oh, it was just so funny.
I can't wait till summer. Hopefully my mom'll let me come see you for Christmas after we celebrate Chanukah. Hopefully. I'll be really surprised if she says yes, but I won't hold my breath.
Halloween's almost here and my mom said I can go out alone as long as I go with Cindy. Hey, it's better than going with my mom. Cindy's hating life right about now. She wants to go to some party her boyfriend's going to, but my mom already told her she couldn't go. I have a feeling she's gonna ditch me to go anyway. Like I care. I get to get my own candy and be out on my own. But it won't be the same without you.
Remember last year when we went trick or treating? That was so much fun. All the candy we got? That was great. I loved your costume too. You looked great in all that wolf makeup. And the way you scared all the little kids. That was so funny.
Well, I gotta go. I've gotta get going to school. My mom's gonna drop this in the mail after taking me to school. I miss you already.
Love,
Mark
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November 4, 1987
Hey Marky,
Aw man I miss you too. Dude, things have been so different since you were here. My dad and I actually like hang out and stuff. And Michael's great too. We've been doing lots of stuff together. Like we actually talk and stuff too. I never thought I'd ever hang out with my dad like this. It's really fuckin cool.
Remind me when I get back there to brag about me living here in the city to Cindy. That'll really piss her off. And you know how much I love just fucking with her. Heh heh.
So, how was your Halloween? Mine was fuckin awesome. Instead of the usual trick or treating, my dad took me to some party. It was so fuckin great. And Michael got all dressed up and sang too. She wore this long, blue sequin dress, tons of makeup, and a blonde wig. He tried to get me into a dress. That didn't go over well. There's no way in hell anyone will EVER get me into a dress, or even in makeup. But the wig, that's a different story.
Michael took me shopping the other day, which was kinda weird, but fun. We stopped by this music shop and I saw the most awesome guitar. Michael actually convinced my dad to buy it for me. But I don't get it till Christmas. How fuckin great is that man? I'm getting a new guitar. It's black with white streaks, and it's an actual fender. Finally, no more hand-me-downs. Hey, you want my old one?
Hey, I gotta go. Dad's taking me to see a show tonight. Can you believe it? Me, seeing an actual show? On Broadway no less. Don't you tell anyone about this, especially the guys. If you do I'll kick your ass. Remember, I know where you live. It'll be our little secret… like us. Miss you man.
-Rog
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November 24, 1987
Dear Rog,
Oh man have I got a story for you. (loosely based on my friend Lael's family) My parents decided to have a little get-together and invite some family over. Well first off, my aunt shows up with her three boys. This is my mom's sister. Now these aren't just ordinary boys. Oh no. They're like evil. I swear. I won't even call them cousins they're that bad. Three boys, the oldest is eight, and the twins are six. I swear Satan's their father. I'm serious too. First off, we never see their father, 'cause apparently he's always working. And only Satan could spawn such horrible little beasts.
Then my uncle shows up with his family. This is my mom's brother. Hmm, I'm seeing a pattern here. Anyway, he's also got three kids, but his kids aren't nearly as terrible. He's got one son our age, who's actually cool, but quiet, and two little girls. One's three, the other one's five. He calls them his 'little angels'. I wonder if he ever actually pays attention to them. 'Little angels' is the wrong term for those girls. In fact, for any of my 'cousins'. More like 'little demons'. Not to mention his wife is a total bitch. At least we know where the girls get it from.
So anyway, my dad decides he wants to 'entertain' the family, which is a complete embarrassment, so I run upstairs to get away from everyone. I get to my room and guess who's in there? Yep, the little terrors. Jumping on my bed, going through my stuff, and just making a huge mess of my room. I wanted to strangle the little shits, but instead I yell. My mom of course hears me yelling and comes upstairs and yells at me. The little pieces of shit start laughing at me for getting yelled at. My whole face was on fire. One from the sheer embarrassment, and two, I wanted to squeeze the life out of those…
So we went downstairs just in time for dinner. And to make matters worse, I got stuck having to sit with the kids, 'cause there wasn't enough room at the table for me. How fucked up is that? Anyway, so I figured since it was dinner that maybe they'd settle down, but noooo. That'd be way to easy. The kids start throwing food at me. Zack, the only cousin who's cool, who was stuck sitting there with me too, was also getting food thrown at him. So we get back at them, and we get in trouble. 'Cause we're not 'setting a good example'. Whatever.
So after dinner Cindy just had to take a shot at me. She embarrassed me even more by making fun of me. I socked her in the arm and my mom dragged me upstairs to 'give me a piece of her mind' and grounded me for two whole weeks. So I don't know if I'll be able to come for Christmas. It'll take a shit load of convincing and I don't know if I'll even be able to do that. Not after this. This has been the worse night ever.
Well, anyway, how was the show? What did you see? Don't worry I didn't and won't tell the guys anything. How's school going there? Do you miss Scarsdale Middle? Probably not. I wouldn't.
Sorry for not writing sooner, but my mom's been her usual bitchy self. She's been riding me about my grades. I don't know why. I keep my grades up. I don't give her any reason to worry about my grades, so I don't understand why she's doing this. Oh wait, it might have something to do with that F I'm getting in P.E. I really hate that class.
So anyway, I should probably go. If my mom sees my light on, she'll probably ground me longer, and then I definitely won't be able to see you. I miss you.
Love,
Mark
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December 1, 1987
Marky,
Dude, I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. And without me. You have all the fun.
Have you ever heard of tofurkey? (Thank you fraulein) It's supposed to be turkey, but it's not. It's tofu. It's gross. I had to go through Thanksgiving without a real turkey. I actually almost cried. Why does my dad have to eat that stuff? I mean, I understand if it's the occasional veggie, or even not eating red meat, but tofu? Come on!! I'm a growing boy. I need my meat. I'll be glad when I go home and have meat all the time, any time.
Of course I don't miss Scarsdale Middle? But I do miss being there and hanging out with you and the guys. But the school out here's not so bad. I met this one girl. She's really nice. She's in a couple of my classes. I think she said her name was April or something like that. She's nice, but not much of a looker. Not that it matters though, I'm not interested in her. I've got you.
Ah man, I saw the best show. It's called Cabaret. It was awesome. And I know it's something you'll like. Maybe next time when you and I are in the city, I'll take you to see it. You'll love it. But remember, our little secret.
Dude, I'm so excited. I can't wait till Christmas. I want that guitar. It's such a fuckin awesome guitar. I can feel it in my fingers already. I'm gonna write a song as soon as I get it just for you. You'll love it I promise.
Hey, I gotta go. Michael wants to take me shopping again. Be scared for me. I could come home in a dress. Then again, with my figure, I could look really good in one.
-Rog
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December 16, 1987
Dear Rog,
You wanna know what's really scary? I can picture you in a dress. As long as you shave your legs first. Otherwise, it might look weird. And kinda gross too.
Tofurkey? Never heard of it. But it sounds pretty good. I'll have to try it some time.
I'm not grounded anymore, but my mom's already told me I can't come see you for Christmas. Plus we're celebrating Chanukah right now. Maybe she'll let me come see you for spring break. I hope so. I want to see you, and soon. I really miss you.
So you met a girl huh? And she's not pretty. But you say she's nice. Well that's cool. I mean, we never said we couldn't be friends with girls. As long as there's still us, you know, it shouldn't matter.
Don't mean to cut this so short, but I'm tired, and I've still got one more day of school before winter break. I can't wait to see you. I still miss you. And Merry Christmas.
Love,
Mark
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December 28, 1987
Hey Mark,
OH MY GOD!!! I GOT IT!!!!!!! I finally got my guitar. It's so fuckin awesome. And it's even better than I expected. Holding it in my hands, strumming it. Oh my god, it's just so fuckin amazing. I can't wait to show it to you and let you hear me play it. As soon as I unwrapped it (yes my dad actually wrapped it up, like I couldn't tell what it was) I plucked the strings and I got all giddy like you do sometimes. It's just so fuckin awesome.
Marky, are you jealous of a girl I hardly know and have no attraction to whatsoever? That's so cute Mark. You're actually jealous. Aww I feel all special now. HAHAHA! You're so great Marky. I can't believe you're jealous. You know it's just you. Besides, I already told you she's not much of a looker. She's got this long stringy brown hair that looks like it hadn't been washed in years, glasses way thicker than yours which distort her eyes. It's funny, she looks like a bug cuz of it. Plus she's like fat. Well not like really fat, just… well that doesn't matter. I've got you.
I've already started on that song I'm writing for you. You're gonna love it. I swear. It's just so you. I can't tell you anymore about it or it'll give it away. I'll have it done by the next time I see you.
Man it really sucks I couldn't see you for Christmas. I got you something too. My dad and Michael helped me pick it out for you. And helped me pay for it since I really could buy it myself. But it's still from me… okay and them. But I know you're gonna love it.
So what did you get for Cha.. Chan… How the hell do you spell that word? Uh, Chan… fuck it. You know, your Jewish version of Christmas. Anything cool? Did you get what you wanted from your parents? I hope so.
Hey, how's my mom been lately? I haven't talked to her in like a month. Have you still been going over and checking up on her like I asked? She's not overworking herself again is she? Could you tell her I really miss her and that I can't wait to get home to her. Wish her Merry Christmas for me too. I'll try to call her as soon as I can.
Man, can you believe it? It's almost 1988. Dude, we'll be fourteen like really soon. And then we'll be in high school. Dude, HIGH SCHOOL! How fuckin great is that?
Hey I gotta go. My dad's taking me to another party tonight. Dude, this is like my third party. It's awesome. Don't worry, I'm behaving. I don't drink anything but soda, and I'm staying away from any of the drugs. Besides, my dad won't let me near them anyway. So I'll write soon. Miss you.
-Rog
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January 7,1988
Dear Rog,
Happy New Year. Even if it is late. I have been checking up on your mom. She really misses you. I'll stay with her and she'll tell me about you when you were younger. And I thought my cousins were bad. And you were an only child. How could you be such a little terror to your mom? She's such a great mom. I wish your mom was my mom. I told her you'd call, I hope you already did. Your mom hasn't been looking very good lately. I think she's been overworking herself again. I stayed with her the other night and she seemed anxious for me to leave. You can really see the bags under her eyes too. You need to come home soon. She really needs you here.
I can't wait to hear you play your new guitar. I can't believe you're writing me a song. Why? I mean, that's cool, but why? Is it a bad song or a good song? Or better yet, will I like it? I mean really like it.
And it's Chanukah. It's not that hard to spell. Just sound it out like this, Cha-nu-kah. If you pronounce it that way, you'll be able to spell it. And no, I didn't get anything I want for Chanukah. My mom got me socks. Yeah, socks. And I got some sweaters from my dad. But other than that it was a good celebration. And no fucked up family members to worry about.
I'm not jealous Roger. I swear I'm not. I just…well I guess I am a little jealous. But it's not 'cause of what you think. I'm jealous you've got other friends up there and It's not just me. But that's it.
By the way, we won't be fourteen till August. That's still nine months away Rog. Nine months. That means we're not even thirteen and a half yet. But it is exciting to think about. But it won't make much of a difference for me. I'll just be another nerd who'll probably be made fun of constantly. Then again, I've got you to protect me right? My big strong man. My hero. Hahaha. That looks funny when I reread that line. Or even saying it out loud.
I'm very proud of you Roger. Not drinking or doing drugs. But you should quit smoking too. It's gross and makes you smell like an ashtray. And it really doesn't make you look hot. Besides, who are you trying to impress? I thought I was enough for you.( :-) ) That's a smiley face in case you couldn't tell.
Well, I'm gonna go now. I'm really tired and I've got school tomorrow. Bye for now. Still missing you.
Love,
Mark
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February 3, 1988
Hey Mark,
That's to bad to hear about you not getting what you wanted for Cha-nu-kah. But you're really gonna love my Christmas gift to you. I promise. It has something to do with what you always talk to me about. But that's the only hint I'm giving you.
Hey, I'm gonna come down there for spring break. Yeah, for real. My dad and Michael are coming too. I wanna see my mom like real bad, so dad thought it'd be a good idea to come down there. So we have a whole week together. A whole week. I can't wait to get down there and see you.
I really miss the guys to and playing with the band. I've been jamming with a few guys out here, but it's not the same. That chick April I told you about, I jam with her older brother. He's really cool. I met him when her mom came to pick her up from school the other day. I was asking her if she did the homework for math when they showed up. He saw my guitar case, and we started talking. He's got a band here, and they've been playing for a while now. He's sixteen, and said he's been playing guitar for like six years. That's cool huh?
Oh, I forgot to tell you, I do look good in a dress. Ha ha! It was really funny. Michael let me use one of his wigs, and… well I'll bring the pictures with me so you can see for yourself.
Okay, so I'm gonna go now. I don't have anything else to tell you right now. Can't wait to see you.
-Rog
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February 16, 1988
Dear Rog,
Oh my god. You actually put on a dress? And a wig? I can't wait to see the pictures. Actually, that doesn't surprise me for some reason. Not even a little. But it's still funny to think about. Hey, did you put makeup on too?
Okay, now you've got me wondering. What did you get me for Christmas? I can't believe you got me something. That's so cool. I got you something too. I hope you'll like it. I didn't have much money so it's not that great. But when I saw it I just had to get it for you.
I can't wait till you come back for spring break. I miss you so much. I hate going to school without you here. It's so boring. Not to mention I find myself hanging out in the yearbook room during lunch. It's sad, I know. I see the guys every once in a while. Hey, why does Scott hate me? Do you know? He's still giving me dirty looks when I see him. The other guys are cool with me though. I just don't get it.
So, April's got a brother huh? That's cool. Do you hang out with him all the time? I'm just wondering. He sounds really cool. That's great that you guys both play the guitar and all.
Anyway, I can't wait to see you. Just a little over a month to wait. I can't wait. I should go now though. The bell's about to ring and I can't be late for class. I can't wait to see you. I really miss you.
Love,
Mark
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March 3, 1988
Hey Mark,
Man I'm so sorry for not writing sooner. April's brother James and I have been hanging out and writing songs together. He's so cool man. You have to meet him. You'd really like him.
Hey man, me in a dress was fuckin hilarious. And yes, I had the makeup too. Michael did it for me, so I have a picture of me in full drag. I never thought I'd ever do that, but once it was done, I thought it looked great. I laughed so hard staring at myself in the mirror. My dad laughed too. I don't think he ever expected to see his son in drag.
Dude, seriously, you have to meet James. He's awesome with the guitar. He's even taught me a few things. It's great jamming with him and his band. And he doesn't even care that I'm only thirteen. At first he thought I was like fifteen or sixteen, which is so cool. He was shocked when I told him I'm only thirteen. It was funny. He was like, "That explains why you go to school with my sister." It was funny. I think it's 'cause he smokes pot.
Hey, only three more weeks till spring break. So have you got like our whole week planned already? It wouldn't surprise me if you did. But you know I wanna spend some time with my mom, so give me a whole day with her and the rest of my time is yours.
Hey, I gotta go. James is on his way to pick me up. He's taking me to this place he likes to hang out at. Write you soon.
-Rog
P.S. Scott doesn't hate you. He can just be a jackass. Don't take it personally.
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March, 11, 1988
Dear Roger,
Wow, you in drag. I really can't wait to see those pictures. So you're spending all your time with James? Hey, that's cool. You're not smoking any pot are you? Please tell me you're not. You said you'd never do drugs. I'm just worried 'cause you're my best friend Rog, and I don't want anything to happen to you. I really hope you're not.
Andyou're writing songs too,huh? That's really cool. Are you gonna use any of them with your band? Frankie and Donny have been asking me about you. I told them you're doing good, and that you've been staying in practice with your guitar, so that when you come back for good, you'll be ready for them. I didn't tell them you were writing songs with James. I didn't know if I should, so I didn't.
Well, I don't mean for this to be short, but I can hear my mom yelling at Cindy, which means she'll be yelling at me any minute. Not much longer till spring break. Really can't wait to see you. I miss you. And no I don't have the whole week planned. I figured we just do what we always do.
Love,
Mark
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March 18, 1988
Marky,
I leave after school on Friday so I'll be there in time for dinner. Are you gonna meet me at my mom's house? You better.
This is gonna be really short 'cause dad's taking us to another party. James is coming with me so he can try to set up a gig for his band with the guy throwing the party. He's one of the top guys in this city, so if James can get a gig, that'll open shit up for him to get something bigger.
Hey, gotta go. I'll see you Friday. I can't wait man. It's gonna be great.
-Rog